Events

gfjkjAU MSME forum Abuja set to advance African business growth

Published

1 year ago

June 21, 2025

AU MSME Forum Abuja to unite over 50 African nations in driving small business development, financing, and digital transformation across the continent

AU MSME Forum Abuja will bring together delegates from over 50 African countries between June 23 and 27, 2025, as Nigeria hosts the fourth edition of the African Union’s continental gathering on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Also read: Nigeria calls for tourism-led growth at UN Africa summit in Abuja

The forum is set to deepen economic integration, enhance digital transformation, and unlock financing opportunities for Africa’s millions of small business operators.

Announced by Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the event aims to reshape the future of MSMEs on the continent.

The Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the summit will prioritise inclusive growth, policy reform, and strategic partnerships that empower entrepreneurs to compete across borders.

“The principal objective is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises, develop intra-African value chains, and strengthen policies on MSME development through fostering strategic partnerships,” Hadejia noted during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Stakeholders from across Nigeria’s business ecosystem have been encouraged to participate, as the forum presents opportunities to form new investment alliances and expand access to African markets.

The Federal Government has positioned the forum as a cornerstone of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for economic reform and continental collaboration.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, praised the event as a strong indication of Nigeria’s economic openness.

“This forum is one of the first steps in opening up our economy to the rest of the world,” Idris said, urging media organisations to support efforts to ensure a successful event.

The forum will feature discussions on easing access to affordable financing, accelerating digital integration for African MSMEs, and improving market entry frameworks. It also intends to facilitate meaningful dialogue between policymakers, financiers, and entrepreneurs.

Minister of Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, said the event would strengthen the country’s creative and tourism sectors through a shared commitment to sustainable enterprise development.

With a renewed focus on intra-African trade, the AU MSME Forum Abuja is expected to energise a broad spectrum of industries, from tech start-ups to rural producers, offering a platform to scale ideas and forge new business frontiers.

Also read: Nigeria set to host 68th UN tourism commission for Africa meeting in Abuja

As the continent continues to drive toward the African Continental Free Trade Area goals, the forum is poised to shape a more connected and competitive future for small businesses across Africa.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

16 hours ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

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Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”